Popular Halloween-themed nature walks promise a frightening but fun experience

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on October 18, 2025.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

The Medicine Hat Interpretive Program is still looking for participants, or perhaps victims, for a haunted storytelling experience, Forest of Fear.

After last year’s event saw immense success, park interpreter Rhys Mah Poy says they are thrilled to be back for yet another year with this major fundraiser. Mah Poy assured those who attended this year that they have come up with a new storyline and are ready to thrill with a new experience.

“There’s new scares, there’s new characters. Last year, the story was that these mushrooms have popped up and the animals have been eating them. It’s been kind of driving them a little bit crazy, so we all have to stay really close,” said Mah Poy. “This year, the theme is around invasive species.”

In addition to the story and scares, the park interpreters guiding attendees through the woods will share real facts in between scares, making the guided walk both scary and educational.

“You will definitely get scared. We’ve done it for a couple of years now and it’s an event we look forward to all year,” said Mah Poy. “We put a lot of love and thought into it and we have really great volunteers that have been coming back year after year. They really do an excellent job.”

Those attending are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear, as the walk will lead them off of the paved trails, and for those with vision impairments to be careful as the experience will largely take place in the dark. Otherwise, no other preparation is required other than dressing for the weather. Participants are asked to refrain from taking photos or videos, so there is no need to bring a camera.

The experience is $20 per person, and tickets must be purchased in person at the Nature Centre before the day of the event on Oct. 25. No tickets will be available at the door or on the day of the event, as staff will be busy setting up, says Mah Poy.

Mah Poy recommends that those with fainter hearts reserve an earlier 30-minute block when purchasing their tickets, as to hopefully go through before the sun is finished setting, while braver souls should plan to stop by after dark. The event will run from 7-10 p.m, with guests enjoying the walk in their preferred time slot.

Tickets are non-refundable, warned Mah Poy, save for in the event of extreme weather. Light rain or snow, as well as cooler temperatures of up to -10 C will be considered atmospheric for the tale about to unfold.

“We are encouraging people to carpool, as we have a small parking lot,” said Mah Poy. “And those walking or biking should be aware that some trails will be closed for our use with the event. We’ll have those trails posted well in advance. We don’t want anyone spoiling the surprise, or worse, having our actors scare an unwary hiker! Other than that, just prepare to be scared.”

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